Local Marine recovers after being wounded by IED

A Dixon Marine who was seriously injured in Afghanistan late last month is recovering at Walter Reed Hospital, Bethesda, Md.

Lance Corporal Adam Devine, 21, was moved out of intensive care on Sunday, his grandmother Joyce Greenawalt, Polo, said Monday.

Devine, a 2008 graduate of Dixon High School, was wounded in action Dec. 28 by an improvised explosive device (IED) while on duty in the Sangin district in the Helmand Province.

He serves in the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, based in Twenty-Nine Palms, Calif., and has been a machine gunner since last April.

Devine's uncle Doug Knapp, Polo, said despite severe injuries, his nephew has been joking with family members and medical personnel.

"He's in good spirits and wants everyone to know he's doing fine," Knapp said.

Devine has already undergone several surgeries and has several more ahead of him, Knapp said.

Family members preferred not to reveal the full extent of his injuries.

Devine's wife Michelle and the couple's 8-month-old daughter, along with his parents Terry and Kim Devine, all of Dixon, have been at the hospital with him since he arrived back in the U.S. in early January, Knapp said.

Devine received treatment first at Bastion Role III Medical Treatment facility in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, and was then transferred to a facility in the Middle East, and then to Germany before being flown to Walter Reed.

Devine was a stand-out athlete in high school in football and track. He also participated in track and field at Augustana College, Rock Island, before joining the Marine Corps in 2009.

Two fund drives have been organized to assist Devine and his family with expenses.

Polo police officer Rob Jasper has organized a drive at local businesses.

Jasper said Monday that cans for donations have been placed at Polo businesses.

A fund has been set up at First National Bank, based in Amboy, to help the family with travel expenses and medical costs. Donations can be made at any of the bank's locations.

Cards and notes of encouragement can be sent to: Attn: Lance Cpl. Adam Devine; Building 10, Room 433; 8901 Wisconsin Avenue; Bethesda MD 20889.